Douglas Tindal

I graduated from law school at University of Iowa in Iowa City, in May, 1974, and took the Iowa Bar exam. I was licensed by the Iowa Supreme Court in June of 1974. Prior to 1995 I was a junior law partner with lawyers Richard Stewart and Paul Shearer, of Washington, Iowa, dating back to December, 1974. From April 1995, I formed my own law firm, where I was the senior partner. There were as many as four other lawyers working for me, along with support staff. My law firm had a couple of different names, as junior lawyers came and went.

In the past 25 years I have occupied my large building in Washington, Iowa, and had as many as three other lawyers and approximately twelve staff working for me, until about three years ago. Approximately 2017, I came to practice law strictly on my own.

The following types of law have been the focus of my law firm for many years: probate, real estate, contracts, income tax preparation, dissolution of marriage, criminal defense, and appeals.

A law practice is much like other kinds of service businesses, in that good management of employees is essential. I promoted the value of getting promised legal work done in a timely and professional manner. When needed I collaborated with other lawyers in the community, who often contributed their ideas and insights in regard to the solution of legal problems. I have always insisted on effective and high quality client relations and communications. I spent significant time in training "new" lawyers, who came to work for me, especially stressing the need to always be honest with clients and judges and court support staff. I maintained an adequate law library, and promoted lawyer continuing education, as required by the Iowa Supreme Court. I shouldered administrative duties for junior attorney and staff, as necessary.